Question

What do you think about Akbar’s attempts to bring about religious, cultural, and social unification in his empire?

Answer 1

Akbar took the following steps to transform the Islamic state into a secular one and unite the diverse races in the country into a single nation based on equality:

1. He abolished the Jaziya tax which was imposed by earlier Muslim rulers on all non-Muslim subjects and pilgrim tax imposed on Hindus visiting places of pilgrimage.
2. He allowed Hindus to build temples, celebrate festivals and worship freely. He even allowed his Hindu wives to celebrate festivals like Holi and Diwali.
3. He gave high posts to talented and competent Hindus in his court, examples are: Todar Mai, Birbal and Raja Bhagwan Das.
4. He married Rajput princesses and allowed them freedom of worship.
5. He granted land to all persons irrespective of their religious faith.